Recently, certain products have been developed that can use sunlight for specific purposes. One such product is the solar powered attic fan. These fans are powered by the sun to increase or improve air circulation in the attic and promote ventilation. Inadequate attic ventilation can lead to moisture build-up, which can lead to wood rot and mould growth.
Although most building codes require new homes to be equipped with passive ventilation systems, these systems often do not provide sufficient pressure to move air through the attic to the outside. Solar attic fans can be used to draw air into the attic, circulate it through the space and move it back outside.
Ideally, ventilation systems are designed to allow air to pass through the attic continuously while preventing moisture from entering. A solar attic fan used in conjunction with a passive ventilation system achieves this. Using a solar fan in the attic forces air in and out of the attic. In summer, the solar attic fan can reduce the temperature in the attic by up to 50%.
In addition to preventing moisture build-up and lowering attic temperatures, the benefits of a solar attic fan include
Protecting your roof: By preventing moist air from condensing, solar attic fans can protect your roof and extend its life. Depending on where you live and other factors, you may decide to run your attic fan all year round.
Lower energy costs.
If you don't have an attic fan, stagnant air stays in your attic and doesn't get renewed. In the summer, this can lead to heat build-up, with the average summer attic temperature being 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because your attic is so hot, the air conditioning that keeps your living space cool has to work harder because the heat stored in the attic is transferred to the rest of your house. A solar attic fan can save you money by stopping the build-up of hot air and preventing your air conditioner from working harder. The best part is that it can do all this without increasing utility costs because it is powered by solar energy rather than electricity.
